Sunday, January 10, 2010

Brothers

While the theme is heavy, a presumed dead soldier returns from his duty at Iraq and flies off the handle, Gyllenhaal provides some relief in his scenes as you see him transform from the family black sheep, screw up to the dependable Uncle Tommy who does anything for his sister-in-law (Portman) and her two daughters.

Maguire plays Capt. Sam Cahill, who is captured in Iraq and held as a prisoner of war. You see him transform from the lovable Dad to the deranged soldier who commits unspeakable acts before finally being rescued and returned to US soil.

The film highlights the difficulties soldiers face upon returning home. It seems like just another Iraq war movie.